A visit to Iceland isn’t complete without a stop at the Blue Lagoon. This world-famous geothermal spa, located just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, offers warm, mineral-rich waters that are both relaxing and rejuvenating. You can book your visit in advance to ensure availability. However, with the recent volcanic eruptions, you are not guaranteed to make it to the spa on your trip. It usually depends on which way the wind is blowing and if there are any big flows of lava that could be passing close to the spa. We checked the weather and booked our slot the day before and had no issues!

I also recommend stopping on your way to or from Keflavik Airport. We went before our flight home, and it was PERFECT. We saved time as we didn’t have to bus back and forth between Reykjavík and the spa (~45-minute bus ride each way), and we didn’t have much time to do anything else before our flight, so it was an amazing way to end our trip!

One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Skógafoss is a breathtaking sight located about 2 hours from Reykjavík. This massive cascade drops 60 meters (nearly 200 feet) and creates a mesmerizing mist that often produces vivid rainbows on sunny days. A staircase alongside the falls allows you to climb up for an incredible view from above.

Cute birds can be seen flying into their little nests as you approach the falls, and they are super fun to watch darting around. I had a lot of fun trying to capture pictures of them snuggling in their nests, as you can see in the photo on the right!

Note: The stairs to get to the top of these falls do not have great railings, and if you can’t tell from the pictures, the waterfall is very tall! The climb can be tiring and slippery, so be careful. That said, it is well worth the hike to the top, where you can see the river flowing through the hills.

We visited these falls as part of a South Shore Full Day Tour. If you decide to join a tour to these falls, be aware that multiple buses often arrive at the same time, making the area very busy. However, after the initial crowds finish ooh-ing and aah-ing, it tends to clear out, giving you the chance to snap some great photos without the crowds.

Tip: Bring a raincoat if you plan to get close to the falls—the spray can leave you soaked!

A visit to Sólheimajökull Glacier offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Iceland’s magnificent ice caps up close. Located about 2 hours from Reykjavík, this glacier is accessible for adventurous travelers who want to hike on the ice or join a guided tour to learn about its ever-changing landscape. The contrast of blue ice, black volcanic ash, and surrounding mountains makes it a photographer’s dream.

This was the second stop on our South Shore Tour and probably the one I was the least excited for initially. However, after a fairly short walk over to the glacier, I was blown away. The size of this chunk of ice is breathtaking, and the vivid blues you can see through the cracks of the contrasting black and white stripes had my jaw on the floor. If you’re lucky, you will even get the chance to touch the glacier!

We visited in April, and the weather was far from perfect. The tour guide had hyped up the walk to the glacier, making it sound very challenging. While the wind was strong and it was raining or snowing most of the time, the hike itself was low-to-moderate in difficulty. There were some loose rocks that could be slippery, and the return walk had a slight incline, but overall it was about a 1 km (~15-minute) walk to reach a fantastic viewing spot. Be cautious of the conditions, but rest assured that the experience is absolutely worth it!

If you are feeling extra adventurous some tours even offer glacier walks where you can hike up part of the glacier!

Tip: Wear waterproof boots with good traction and dress in layers!

Known for its dramatic basalt columns, volcanic black sand, and powerful waves, Reynisfjara is about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík and makes for a memorable day trip. This beach is located near Icelands southernmost village, Vík, and was the 3rd stop on our South Shore Tour.

On the day we visited, the wind was so strong that people were being blown around the beach, and you had to walk at a 45-degree angle just to stay upright. However, if you could make it from the parking lot to a little cave on the left side of the beach without blowing away, it was fairly sheltered from the crazy weather, and you could truly appreciate the beauty and power of nature. (If you look closely at the photos, you can see the wind blowing off the tops of the waves – so cool.)

I’m from a small town on the east coast and have spent countless days hanging out on the beach, but I can say for sure that this is easily one of the most terrifying yet beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The huge waves crashing on the black rocks were such a sight to see!

Warning: The waves here are extremely strong and unpredictable. Stay a safe distance from the water. Check out more safety tips at visiticeland.com before heading to this amazing destination!

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most unique and stunning waterfalls, located about 2 hours from Reykjavík. This 60-meter (197-foot) cascade is famous for the path that allows you to walk behind the falls, offering a one-of-a-kind perspective and photo opportunity.

The surrounding area is just as beautiful, with lush greenery and smaller waterfalls nearby. Make sure to bring waterproof clothing, as you’ll definitely get sprayed if you walk behind the falls. Unfortunately, due to stormy winter weather earlier in the day, our group didn’t get the chance to walk behind the falls. I guess it’s just another reason to go back. Although we didn’t get to see the cool perspective, we still had a great time walking around the area and looking at all the smaller waterfalls nearby!

The Geysir Geothermal Area is one of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions, located in the Golden Circle route. Here, you can witness the Strokkur geyser erupting every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. The surrounding geothermal fields feature bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, offering a glimpse into the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic activity. It is also the first stop on the iconic Golden Circle Day Tour.

It is so cool to think about what you are standing on top of in this area. Little pockets and rivers of boiling water and small geysers lead up to Strokkur, which you can see and hear from quite a distance! Waiting for the geysers to erupt is a thrilling experience, but be careful not to blink or you will miss the whole show… literally. I stood and watched in awe for about 20 minutes with 3-4 eruptions, just to make sure I actually saw what I thought I saw.

Fun Fact: This area is also the site of the original “Geysir,” the geothermal phenomenon that gave its name to geysers worldwide. Unfortunately, Geysir is no longer active.

Warning: The water in this area is BOILING. Do not touch any water, and be careful not to stand downwind of the active geysers, as the water can burn you!

Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most iconic and awe-inspiring waterfalls, located along the Golden Circle route. This two-tiered waterfall plunges into a dramatic canyon, creating a misty spectacle that’s nothing short of magical. The roaring sound of the water and the sheer power of the falls will leave you in awe.

The surrounding area is equipped with walking paths that provide incredible views from different angles, making it a perfect stop for photographers and nature lovers alike. In the winter months, the icy landscape adds another layer of beauty, transforming Gullfoss into a sparkling wonderland.

Last stop on the Golden Circle Day Tour was Thingvellir National Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant locations. Just a short drive from Reykjavík, it’s the only place in the world where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park also offers stunning scenery, including waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and hiking trails that showcase Iceland’s unique natural beauty.